Although Opp’s offense played well in the Bobcats’ 30-6 win over Bullock County on Friday night, coach Jack Whigham said it was his team’s defense that got the team off to a good start.

“We were worried that Bullock County would come out and score early and we’d get behind,” he said. “Thankfully, our defense really stepped up strong on a few drives where they got down near the end zone. We were able to string together some yards on the ground and our offense got it done.”

Opp (3-4, 2-3 in Class 4A, Region 2) rushed the ball 50 times for 220 yards and also collected 20 first downs. The Bobcats attempted just three passes, but one of them was a touchdown.

“The coaches told the offensive line it was their responsibility to win us this game tonight, and they delivered,” Whigham said.

Opp’s Josh Thompson caught a 9-yard touchdown pass from Gavin Free with 4:09 left in the second quarter. Richard Davis added a 7-yard touchdown run with just 29.3 seconds left in the second quarter, and Opp got the ball back and added a 32-yard field goal with 1.4 seconds left to go up 17-0 at halftime.

The Bobcats got the ball to start the second half and continued their offensive prowess. Opp pieced together an 11-play, 64-yard drive that culminated with a 2-yard touchdown run by Josh Scarbrough with 6:22 left in the third.

Bullock County finally broke onto the scoreboard at the end of the third quarter when Laxavier Youngblood busted free for a 75-yard touchdown run.

“We knew that Bullock County had that kind of big-play capability,” Whigham said. “Thankfully, we kept them bottled up for most of the night, except for that one big play.”

Opp responded with a touchdown drive, with Quadir Kincaid scoring from 3 yards out with 9:30 left in the fourth quarter. The extra point failed.

Bullock County threatened late in the game, but Jared Marler intercepted a pass with 30 seconds left to end the drive.

Opp finishes up the season with two straight region opponents on the road. The Bobcats travel to Elmore County next Friday.

“We know we need to win the next two to be in the playoff hunt,” Whigham said. “But I believe my team is capable of doing that. I know that Elmore County has a great team, and we’re going to have to play our best game in order to win.”